January 2009 will mark four years since my return from Baghdad, Iraq. The spirit and energy of those who contributed and participated in 477th Hearts and Minds Club still affects me to this day. It is because of the past that I hope to continue the goodwill spirit of Hearts and Minds Club of Iraq here in Afghanistan. With the Ellsworth Hearts and Minds Club I plan to bring much needed school supplies and hope to the northern regions of Afghanistan. As I stated four years ago, if we can change one youth's mind toward American or Coalition forces in a positive manner, then the club will be a success.

Though my time in Afghanistan has been short, it is clearly evident that there is a much greater need here than in Iraq. Iraq, as a whole, has an infrastructure to include electricity and roads; Afghanistan has few roads, and little, if any, infrastructure. I can travel twenty minutes from my base and find villages without running water, electricity, or medical care. Regions of Afghanistan are more comparable to the Middle Ages than to the 21st century. With your help we can make a difference in the lives of the youth of Afghanistan.

Once the charity.casperinc.net website is up and running, you will find examples of items that you can send to the Just Do Something Club of Ellsworth High School in Ellsworth, Wisconsin. It is my hope that by the time I leave this country, we will have supplied over one thousand Afghan students with school materials, and even more importantly, will have left a positive impression of the giving nature that the United States of America is known for. I understand that our country is experiencing its own economic misfortunes, and offering contributions at this time is difficult, but every pen or pencil will help give a child of Afghanistan a better idea of the goodness of America. Every notebook or folder will help to keep the Taliban out of the villages and girls in the classroom. Please help us to help others, and in the process, become part of what I hope is an organization that can make a difference in the War on Terror.

Cpt. Ryan S. Casper
United States Army